Why Children Are Becoming More Allergic (And What to Do)

Allergy is more and more common in children. There are two factors: the genetic factor (hereditary allergies) and the overload of the immune system due to certain causes.

We will not dwell on the genetic factor. Especially since allergies of this kind are quite rare and are practically impossible to treat. Today we will talk about resetting the immune system.

Allergy is a reaction of the immune system. The following occurs: the overloaded immune system for some reason begins to fight with its cells after the entry into the body of certain substances (allergens). Let's examine why the immune system behaves this way.

80% of the immune system is made up of barriers. Let's divide them into three categories: barriers in the gastrointestinal tract, in the immune system, and on the skin.

Their task is not to admit foreign microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, etc.) into the body. Affected barriers do not cope with two-stage pregnancy. First of all, it does not allow foreign microorganisms to enter the body. Second, it reacts inappropriately to particles that are harmless to the body, such as food or pollen.

What can affect the barriers?

Gastrointestinal barriers

The baby begins to absorb the mother's microflora, which passes through the birth canal. Then the baby is placed in the mother's womb and absorbs the bacteria from the surface of her body with her whole body. This forms a balanced intestinal microbiome - the main barrier of the gastrointestinal tract.

The baby, which is born by cesarean section, mainly absorbs the bacteria, which are in the external environment of the delivery room. In these children, disorders of the intestinal microbiome are more common and parents need to learn to balance it - sometimes fruits (prebiotics) and vegetables, as well as fermented products (probiotics) are enough.

9 symptoms of disordered microflora

This does not mean that all children born by cesarean section suffer from allergies, but the risk is much higher.

Administration of antibiotics and drugs in the first year of life

Antibiotics and some drugs disrupt the gut microbiome. Especially against the background of artificial food. However, it is not necessary to give them up - the antibiotics chosen correctly by the doctor save lives. But after their administration, recovery with the help of prebiotics and probiotics is necessary.

Improper digestion of food

In some children, there is a lack of enzymes for the qualitative digestion of food. Food scraps are not fully digested, especially proteins, which are foreign to the body - they break down the barriers of the digestive tract and make the immune system's attention.

It reacts to them in much the same way as viruses and bacteria - secreting basophils, t-helpers, etc. But if the virus passes in a week, then incorrect digestion can take years and the constant overloading of the immune system over time can cause allergies and autoimmune diseases.

The solution is the same - a balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics (lactic acid products, fermented foods, etc.).

Respiratory barriers

Violation of digestive tract barriers leads to weakened immunity and the child begins to become more and more ill with acute respiratory viral infections (IRVA). IRVA overloads the respiratory barriers in the mucous membrane of the respiratory system and allergic reactions to pollen, dust, etc. may occur in the child.

It could cause allergies to any particles that enter the overloaded mucosa of the airways, but the cause of the allergy could be an imbalance of the intestinal microbiome.

Skin barriers

The skin barriers are quite strong even in children, so the allergy on the skin (contact dermatitis) is quite rare. It is caused by fat-soluble substances, which could cross the skin barrier by binding to plasma proteins. They are often found in cosmetics and household products. The body reacts locally to them, itching or flaking occurs.

All other manifestations of the skin as well are associated with the disorder of the intestinal microbiome.

Allergy can only be diagnosed by an allergist, as any skin manifestations or respiratory problems could indicate hundreds of illnesses.

This is why it is recommended to provide the child with a healthy diet because in most cases the disorder of the intestinal microbiome and allergies are associated with incorrect nutrition.

The baby must receive all the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats, and other useful elements.

The diet should include as few products as possible that violate the gut microbiome - these include products that contain refined sugar, transgenic fats, high glycemic index products (pastries, desserts, etc.).

And as many lactic acid products (kefir, yogurt, cranberry), fermented products (sauerkraut, tea mushroom drink), as well as vegetable products.

You're right, the recommendations are the same, as little sugar and as many vegetables as possible.